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Dog Park Advisory Committee
About the Dog Park Advisory Committee
The Chelmsford Dog Park Advisory Committee (DPAC) is a five-member committee tasked with the oversight of the park's maintenance needs and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. The committee is also responsible for managing a grant program aimed at funding capital improvements for the park, with resources generated from the rental of the training area and other grant awards. Collaborating closely with the Chelmsford Dog Association and other community groups, the committee plays a pivotal role in planning future events and upkeep of the park.
Meetings
Monthly (or as needed)
Various
Town Offices or Dog Park
Agendas & Minutes
Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas & Minutes | DPAC@chelmsfordma.gov
The training area of the Chelmsford Dog Park is available for rental. Rental fees vary based on the event type, the number of dogs, and the duration of the rental. Additionally, all rentals require a $100 security deposit. To reserve the training are, please complete the following steps:
- Please use the calendar on the Dog Park facility webpage to request a reservation.
- Complete the Dog Park Rental Agreement.
- Submit the completed Dog Park Rental Agreement, security deposit, and rental fee (deposit and fee must be separate checks) a minimum of two weeks prior to the event. Checks must be made payable to “Town of Chelmsford”. Submit in person or by mail to:
Dog Park Advisory Committee
c/o Town Clerk’s Office
50 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
If you have questions or concerns about the Rental Agreement, please contact the DPAC at DPAC@chelmsfordma.gov.
Access to the Training/Agility area may be limited to event attendees. A sign will be provided to inform regular park users. If access is limited, you may choose to allow food and/or toys in the rental area.
Monetary Donations
The Town of Chelmsford gratefully accepts monetary donations to fund dog park initiatives. Please send donations payable to “Town of Chelmsford” with "Dog Park Improvements" written on the memo line to:
Town Manager's Office
50 Billerica Rd.
Chelmsford MA 01824
Equipment/Supplies
Donations of equipment or supplies can be coordinated by emailing DPAC@chelmsfordma.gov.
Chelmsford Dog Association
The Chelmsford Dog Association (CDA) is a local resource that hosts events and seminars to benefit dogs and their owners. The CDA can be contacted by e-mail at cda@chelmsforddogassociation.org, or through their website at www.chelmsforddogassociation.org.
General Information:
- The Chelmsford Dog Park is open to everyone.
- The Town of Chelmsford is not responsible for any injuries or damage caused by dogs or their owners. Owners are responsible for their dogs and any problems they cause.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk. The parking lot may be closed after snowstorms until it is cleared.
Leashes & Control:
- Keep dogs on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) outside the fenced areas.
- Leash and unleash your dog inside the dog park, not in the double-gated holding area.
- Always carry a leash with you.
- Owner/handler must be in verbal control of their dog at all times.
- Owner/handler must remain in the park and keep their dog within view at all times.
Gates: Don’t open the outside gate if the inside gate is open. Please be patient.
Children:
- Children under 12 must be with an adult.
- Children under 6 are not allowed in the park.
- Handlers must be at least 16 years old.
Clean-Up:
- Pick up after your dog waste immediately. Carry enough bags or another tool to clean up waste.
- Fill in any holes your dog digs.
Dog Limit: You can bring up to two dogs at a time.
Licenses, Health, & Puppies:
- Dogs must display a current license.
- Dogs must be properly inoculated.
- Dogs must be free of contagious conditions.
- Dogs must be parasite-free.
- Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the park.
- Puppies under 4 months old are not allowed due to health risks.
Aggressive Dogs:
- If your dog becomes aggressive or unruly, leash them and leave the park immediately. Try again another day.
- Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior may have their park privileges taken away.
Bites:
- Exchange contact info if your dog bites or injures someone.
- All bites must be reported to Animal Control at 978-256-0754.
Prohibited Items & Activities: Don’t bring the following items into the Dog Park.
- strollers, carriages, baby carriers
- bicycles, skateboards, scooters, children’s toys
- dog toys
- Glass containers
- Prong, spike, or choke collars
- Human and dog food or treats
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- No animals other than dogs are allowed in the park.
Commercial Use & Training Space: Commercial activities such as dog training classes or doggie daycare are not allowed without prior Dog Park Advisory Committee approval. Training Space is available for rentals. Please visit the training space rental section of the DPAC webpage for more information.
Maintenance: The entire park or certain areas of the park will be closed for maintenance at times throughout the year. Please do not enter the work area if you see workers or heavy equipment.
The Dog Park may need to be closed periodically for maintenance. During this time, we may be able to shift park guests to other sections of the park, however this may not always be feasible. Please do not enter the work area if you see workers or heavy equipment. We will make announcements about anticipated work sessions via the DPAC Facebook page.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Helpful Links
Dog Park Etiquette
DPAC Funding Application Process
Heat Risks & Other Information
Chelmsford Dog Association website
Chelmsford Animal Control Officer Contact Information:
Chelmsford Police Department
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-0754
animalcontrol@chelmsfordma.gov
Contact Us
-
Dog Park Advisory Committee
c/o Town Clerk's Office
50 Billerica Road
Room 206
Chelmsford, MA 01824Email the Dog Park Advisory Committee
View Elected & Appointed Officials
For animal emergencies, contact the Animal Control Officer:
Chelmsford Police Department
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-0754
animalcontrol@chelmsfordma.gov